Firefighters from across North Staffordshire were called to the blaze, at a building adjoining the Jervis Arms in Onecote, just after 11.30pm on Sunday evening.

Fire crews remained at the scene throughout Monday while an investigation took place.

Now firefighters believe the fire was started deliberately - but are unable to rule out other possibilities.

A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "The Fire Investigation officer said they believe it to most likely be deliberate but have not been able to definitively rule out other possibilities due to the level of damage in the property."